Now in it’s 93rd year this historic congress attracts titled players from around the world.
Competing in the 9-round Masters event which continues until 5th January are juniors Amardip Ahluwalia, Matt Forster, Oli Howell, Mikolaj Rogacewicz, Calum Salmons and Ollie Willson together with coaches Dave Graham and Raza Norinkeviciute.
Alongside the main congress are a number of other events to suit all standards.
First to finish are the Christmas Tournaments and we’re very pleased to report that a lot of the prize money stayed in the County! In Christmas Afternoon A Chris Howell swept to victory with 4½/5, closely followed by Cassie Graham 2nd= with an unbeaten 3½/5. In Christmas Afternoon B Thomas Finn secured first place with an unbeaten 4/5, and Daniel Finn won a grading prize for his 3/5 including a draw with his brother.
There are also a number of fun evening events and particularly popular is the Pairs event, hosted this year by the White Rock Hotel. SJC was represented by 3½ teams. Ollie Willson partnering Adam Taylor were joint 1st with 4/5…but we’re not recognising that as they chose to call themselves “The Essex Boys”….how could you Ollie? Cassie & Dave Graham (“The Grahams” – they were never going to win the Best Team Name prize) won the best mixed gender prize for their 3/5. Also represented were Chris & Oli Howell (The Glaring Howlers) and Mike & Matt Forster (“4 Stir Dodgy Pears”).
